Steel City Insider: A Beginner's Pittsburgh Guide

Named one of National Geographic Traveler magazine's must-visit places, Pittsburgh is no longer an industrial steel city. Located in southwestern Pennsylvania where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a “green” city with a vibrant cultural scene and plenty to offer visitors. Take a look at our Pittsburgh guide for some must-see spots to explore.

The Cultural District

Touted as one of the nation’s most vibrant cultural districts, this area is just a short walk from downtown hotels and the riverfront. It spans 14 blocks offering art galleries, eateries, clubs, and theatres. Here, you can enjoy performances by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Broadway Series, Pittsburgh Opera, and many more across the district’s nine theatre venues. A free gallery crawl, held quarterly on Friday nights, is a popular way to explore the area.

The Strip District

The Strip is a haven for foodies and the perfect place to search out a Pittsburgh souvenir. Northeast of downtown, this is a mile-long area along the Allegheny River filled with street vendors, specialty markets and restaurants. Here, the original location of Primanti Brothers sells sandwiches that all come piled high with french fries, a vinegar-based coleslaw, and tomato slices on hand-cut Italian bread. If breakfast is more your thing, check out Pamela’s Diner. President Obama is a big fan of their thin, crepe-style pancakes with crispy edges. (In 2009, the owners cooked these at the White House for the President, First Lady and military veterans!)

The North Shore

The North Shore can be easily accessed via the “T,” a local light rail system. You can catch a football game at Heinz Field, home of both the six-time Super Bowl champs, the Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. Nearby is PNC Park, where the five-time World Series baseball champs, the Pittsburgh Pirates play. It was recently named the "best ballpark in the U.S." by Tripadvisor for its magnificent views of the city's skyline and bridges.

The South Side

Located on East Carson Street, along the Monongahela River, the South Side is known as the place to bar hop in Pittsburgh. And beyond bars and nightlife, there are coffee houses, bookstores, shops, art galleries, and the SouthSide Works; an open-air retail, dining, and entertainment complex. If you’re around in February, don’t miss the annual South Side Soup Contest!

Vieux-Quebec is what first attracts visitors to the much-loved capital city of Canada's French-speaking province. The 400-year-old fortressed heritage district is as romantic as they come with beautifully preserved architecture, historic fortifications and a tangle of cobble-stoned lanes brimming with galleries, artist studios, boutiques, restaurants and museums.Take a look at our beginner’s guide to Quebec City for the inside track on what to see while you’re in town.

In July 1796, General Moses Cleaveland decided this spot where the Cuyahoga River meets Lake Erie was prime real estate. Today, Cleveland is more blue-collar than blueblood, but the once-mighty manufacturing centre is in the middle of its own version of the rustbelt renaissance. Take a look at our Cleveland guide for the top city spots for first-time visitors.